CONCEPTS OF
COMPUTER SCIENCE
MATH 502
Course Description
This
course provides an historic overview and survey of equipment and other elements
to be found in computer systems. The
operations and management of computer resources, use of math software, and an
overview of computer programming languages are other topics covered.
Course Goals
1. Introduce components and
operation of a computer.
2. Input and output devices of
a computer.
3. Distinguish between
different types of memory and data storage.
4. Introduce and discuss
differences between command line and graphically based operating systems.
5. Windows and its four major
characteristics.
6. Introduction to basic word
processing.
7. What is a database and how
is it constructed?
8. Sharing information between
software applications.
9. Introduction to the basics
of C++ programming.
10. Introduction to the concepts
of decision and repetition in a programming language.
Instructional
Procedures
1. Lecture covering theory and
areas of application.
2. Assigned reading and
homework.
3. In-class hands on computer
mini-lessons.
4. Assigned computer projects
applying course matter.
Course
Content
A. Introduction to Computers
1. What is hardware?
2. Basic components of a
computer.
3. Computer memory.
4. Computer peripherals.
5. What is software?
B. Operating
Systems
1. DOS
2. What is Windows?
3. Advantages of Windows
4. Windows Desktop and User
Interface
C. Software Applications
1. Word Processing
2. Computer Databases
3. Databases and Word
Processing
4. The electronic spreadsheet
D. Introduction to Programming
1. The C++ programming language.
2. Data values and arithmetic
operations.
3. Variables and declaration
statements.
4. Input and output and C++
5. Simple C++ programs
E. Selection Structures
1. If-then
2. If-then-else
3. Nested statements
F. Repetition Structures
1. While loops
2. Interactive while loops
3. For loops
4. Do while loops
Evaluation Measures
1. Periodic quizzes and tests.
2. In-class mini-projects
3. Programming projects
4. Final Examination
5. Notebook
Bibliography
A.
Required Text
None
B.
Additional Required
None
C.
Supporting Bibliography
Allen, Mark, Algorithms, Data
Structures, & Problem Solving with C++, Addison Wesley, 1996.
Bronson, Gary J., Program
Development and Design, PWS-Kent Publishing Co., 1997.
Bucki, Lisa, & Brown, Rick,
The Big Basics Book of PC’s, Que Books, 1997.
Cornerstone Solutions, Introduction
to PC/DOS, 1993.
Cornerstone Solutions, Introduction
to Windows, 1994.
Kraynak, Joe, 10 Minute Guide to PC Computing, Que
Books, 1997.
Lee, P., The
Apprentice C++ Program,
Person, Ron, Using Windows, Que Books, 1994.
D. Relevant Software
1. Microsoft Access
2. Microsoft Excel
3. Microsoft Word
4. C++ Programming